I have the following kernels installed:
- linux-zen (Zen)
- linux-rt (RealTime)
- linux-hardened (Security Hardened)
- linux-lts (Long Term Support)
- linux-tr-lts (Realtime LTS)
When I boot up, I try the different kernels from time to time just to see if anything interesting happens. It never does.
My question: How do I actually physically notice the difference between these kernels? If I use RT, does Firefox spawn quicker (in my testing, no, not really)?
What are some use cases when I can really see the difference in these kernels?
Realtime is not about being fast, it’s about time guarantees. It helps with or is required for workloads that require realtime, which I think includes audio production, but might also be helpful for things like controllers etc. where you need to make sure incoming data is processed in a guaranteed time or else fail. Browsing the web isn’t part of these, so an RT kernel will most likely be a hindrance.
Yes, aircraft for example. If the pilot says “gear down”, the gear must go down in short order. You can’t say “well I think I’ll check the airspeed sensor a few times first”.
due to DO-178C requirements, Linux can’t be used there… yet.
That’s pretty cool. Seems like a big undertaking tho
But it’s used in PES (Passenger Entertainment Systems) at least.
Ok this discussion reminds me of a gripe: Is there a Linux distribution or kernel that prioritizes the UI over everything else, including an OOM situation?
I’ve never had (modern) Windows kernel panic on me, or completely slow to the point I can’t get Ctrl+Alt+Del registered.
Let me know if I’m just using Linux stupidly though…
I’ve definitely had Windows hard lock before and stop responding to the keyboard, from Win95 all the way to Win10. I have no experience with Win11 so I can’t speak for that, but all others have situations where it can happen.
In fact, Windows is bad enough that the disk usage being high can cause the system to stop responding until it’s done and drops back down.
I thought that’s what Zen was for
Yeah I’ve had multiple times where a silly process (usually a game running via WINE) will shit itself and lock the whole desktop. it’s my only gripe even if it’s rare
I think realtime is on mainline now since 6.12 though so anyone with at least 6.12 should be able to use rt functionality.